When Everyman Boats called to say it had all three variations of its popular 595 alloy hull available, we saw an opportunity to experience the difference that varying cabin configurations can make to overall performance
All three boats had the identical 5.95m hull, and the same Yamaha 115hp four-stroke motor. The only differences were in the cabin configurations.
The three boats were all on Voyager A17 single-axle non-braked trailers. With a beam of 2.35m and an all-up weight slightly over 1100kg excluding fuel, all three models can be safely towed by most moderate tow vehicles. A braked trailer is available.
The Yamaha F115 four-stroke motor is right in the middle of the power range for these hulls, as Everyman recommends between 90 and 130hp. It is a conventionally aspirated four-cylinder inline configuration with a displacement of 1741cc. With its three-star CARB rating it comes with a three-year warranty. The Yamaha Salt Water Series two-stroke option is also available, saving both cost and weight but with slightly worse fuel economy. The boats all had a 120-litre under-floor fuel tank, giving an effective cruising range of over 100 nautical miles.
One of the great things about an alloy boat is the ability to run up on a sandy beach without any fear of scratching a gel coat. Parked in a row, we were able to view the different configurations. All three feature the same stern with a wide boarding ladder and a port-side step-through in the transom. A live-bait tank is hidden under a hatch in the step-through section. A fold-down boarding ladder on the port side and dual grab handles make it easy for swimmers to get back on board. The starboard side also has a grab handle, and the centre console model had an auxiliary bracket fitted for a trolling motor.
Inside the cockpit there were a couple of variations of transom layout, and these can be altered to suit the purchaser. The centre console model had the optional fold-down bench seat, which forms a hatch cover when flipped up. An alternative to the seat is a clip-on cover to enclose the battery compartment. A single battery is fitted, with additional storage space available in the starboard side of the transom area.
All three boats featured the single-pole removable bait board unit that provides two extra rod holders angled either side of the motor. An optional ski pole can be fitted. The gunwales are wide and comfortable for sitting on, with varying numbers of rod holders fitted into them.
The centre console
The extra working space of the centre console was the most practical difference between the three. The centre console’s hull seemed bigger and roomier without a cabin taking up almost half the available space. Most of the boat’s length is “fishable”, with the high gunwales making it safe to lean against the side.
The centre console abounds with storage options. A huge bin under the double helm seat is capacious enough to stow a number of dive bottles. The console itself has a number of small stowage areas, and there is a second bin under the padded front seat. Wide storage shelves also run the length of the boat under each side gunwale.
The two-cabin versions have dry stowage space forward, both on and under the bunks and in the carpet-lined shelves on either side. Further space is available on all three models under the transom.
The other major consideration of the centre console is that it has very little protection from the elements. The bench seat and windscreen provide limited spray and wind shelter for two people only, while anyone sitting on the front seat will cop a full face of wind or spray in rough conditions. The stainless steel T-top canopy provides shade from the sun and showers.
The hardtop
The hardtop is open at the rear, where it faces into the cockpit. An optional clip-on is available to fully enclose the cabin. Two full-length bunks provide sleeping space on extended trips, and combined with the clip-on section, this boat makes a snug overnighter.
The cuddy cabin
The cuddy cabin model holds the same twin bunks as the hardtop, and the stainless steel bimini top provides some protection from rain and sun. The bimini framework also folds down, making this the only one of the three that will fit in a standard-height garage (although the centre console is also available in a fold-down bimini version rather than the fixed T-top).
Surprising results on the water
We headed out into the choppy waters and threw the three variations around. Performance was very similar for all the models. The 115hp Yamaha is very smooth and quiet, and even on the heaviest hardtop version it had more than enough punch. The boat leaps onto the plane quickly, and easily reaches top speeds in excess of 30 knots.
The centre console performed with subtle differences to the other two, thanks to the lower centre of gravity. It was slightly more responsive and easier to throw around, turning well. Interestingly it was also smoother at speed over the chop, with the lighter hull sitting slightly higher out of the water, skimming the waves more than going through them. However both cabin versions performed well, and the carpet-lined interiors kept the noise levels right down when we landed off a wave.
The centre console was also remarkably dry for what is essentially an open boat.
All three boats performed well through the swell. Landings were controlled and reasonably soft, and the boats were never out of control. We were impressed at how easy it was to position the boat precisely at low speed.
All the hulls exhibited good stability at rest and we had no issues leaning three people over the side. With a 15-degree deadrise, it is not really a deep vee yet is both stable and comfortable.
So, which did I prefer?
My favourite is in fact the centre console. It is roomier, feels more responsive, is better suited to multiple roles (fishing, diving and water toys) and overall is just more “fun”. Yes, it is a fine-weather boat and no, I probably would not venture 30km offshore with it, but if I was to buy one of these three then that is model I would go for.
Specifications
LOA 5.95m
Beam 2.35m
Deadrise 15 degrees
Recommended hp 90 to 115
Hull thickness 5mm
Side skin thickness 4mm
Topsides thickness 3mm
Photography: Norman Holtzhausen